Kia Optima problems by year
7,494 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 20 Kia Optima model years. Last verified Sep 21, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 145 | 0 | Engine | |
| 2019 | 206 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2018 | 232 | 2 | Engine | |
| 2017 | 255 | 3 | Engine | |
| 2016 Most complained | 754 | 5 | Engine | |
| 2015 Most complained | 1,007 | 4 | Engine | |
| 2014 | 585 | 7 | Engine | |
| 2013 Most complained | 1,381 | 9 | Engine | |
| 2012 Most complained | 919 | 5 | Engine | |
| 2011 | 593 | 5 | Engine | |
| 2010 | 75 | 1 | Power Train | |
| 2009 | 116 | 1 | Power Train | |
| 2008 | 144 | 3 | Air Bags | |
| 2007 | 167 | 2 | Air Bags | |
| 2006 | 155 | 2 | Air Bags | |
| 2005 | 144 | 0 | Latches/locks/linkages | |
| 2004 | 225 | 1 | Latches/locks/linkages | |
| 2003 | 141 | 2 | Latches/locks/linkages | |
| 2002 | 107 | 3 | Structure | |
| 2001 | 143 | 3 | Structure |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Kia.